Education in Alberta

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Alberta. Start your school search as soon as you receive your posting notice. Prepare to register for school once your House Hunting Trip is complete.

Schools at a glance

Government-funded schools for children

English public schools (with French immersion option)
Francophone public schools
Separate religious schools (Catholic, primarily)
Online schools
Charter or Collegiate schools, offering specialized programs
Home education

Private schools are also an option.

Age groups

Alberta schools are divided into four distinct age groups:

Kindergarten – Early Childhood Services
Grade 1 to 6 – Elementary School
Grade 7 to 9 – Junior High School
Grade 10 to 12 – High School

Francophone public schools

Choose from 44 Francophone public schools in Alberta. If your child has rights to first-language French education, select a Francophone school in your area.

The Conseil Scolaire Centre Nord serves Edmonton and north.
The Conseil Scolaire FrancoSud serves Calgary and south.

Special education support in schools

Alberta offers an inclusive education environment. Special education resources are provided at the board level. Ease your transition from another province or school board by having the right documentation on hand.

Have professional assessments/diagnoses documentation ready
Include information on how the diagnosis directly affects your child’s learning
Provide your child’s existing Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Program Plan (IPP)
Share past report cards and samples of school work

High school graduation requirements

Secondary school in Alberta includes grade 10, 11 and 12, made up of credit courses, which include career education courses and provincial exams. Read about the high school graduation requirements in Alberta, depending on your stream.

Online education support

Alberta has an elearning hub to support kids with homework, including tools and tips for parents, homeschool help, downloadable curriculum documents and information on specialty topics like Indigenous and French-language education.

FAQs about schools in Alberta

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Alberta?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, you can consult the map for your chosen school board to find the school closest to you.
How long is the school year in Alberta?
The traditional school year runs from September to June, with two months of summer vacation in July and August, and a one-week spring break in March or April.
When can I register my child for school?
You can enrol your child in school as soon as you have proof of your Alberta address, which could be following your House Hunting Trip, if you’ve signed a lease or sale agreement.
How do I register my child for school?
School registration is done through your local school board.
At what age do children start school in Alberta?
Kindergarten starts at age five in Alberta, as part of the province’s Early Childhood Services. Register your child for kindergarten if they are turning five before December 31 in the current year.
Are there pre-kindergarten options in Alberta?
Pre-kindergarten in Alberta is designed for children who require additional supports to prepare them for school.
- English or French as a second language
- Children with learning disabilities or language delays
Children with severe disabilities are eligible for pre-kindergarten at 2 years 8 months. All other eligible children may start at age 3 years 8 months.
At what age does my child have to start school?
The compulsory school age is six.
What if I want to home school my child?
You must notify the provincial Minister of Education each year of your intent to homeschool. You can choose to have your home school program supervised or not.
How can I determine equivalent high school credits when moving from province to province?
Ontario eschool offers a chart comparing credit-based courses across provinces. If you’re unsure, reach out to your new school.